Senior Assistant to the Dean, Libraries

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University's Libraries is seeking a Senior Assistant to the Dean to provide excellent, proactive support for the Office of the Dean and JMU Libraries administration.

The successful candidate will manage calendars and events, respond to campus inquiries, and prepare documents and reports for library leadership, while serving as the first point of contact for staff and visitors in the admin suite. This role requires professionalism, discretion, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Evidence of strong interpersonal and customer-oriented communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to building environments that are accessible and welcoming
• Demonstrated ability to act with a high degree of professionalism, including an ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office products and calendaring
• Demonstrated ability to track multiple projects with tight deadlines with a high-level of attention to detail and accuracy

Responsibilities

• Support the Office of the Dean and Libraries administration, ensuring smooth operation of administrative functions
• Manage organizational calendars and events
• Represent the organization to internal and external constituents
• Prepare documents and reports for Libraries administrators
• Manage and respond to campus inquiries for Libraries administration
• Serve as the initial point of contact for employees and visitors to the Libraries administrative suite
• Work closely with Libraries administration on various organizational and planning functions

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Professionalism

Microsoft Office

Calendaring

Detail orientation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Calendaring software

Job description

Working Title: Senior Assistant to the Dean, Libraries

State Role Title: General Administration Supervisor I/Coordinator I

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: JMU Libraries

Department: 100113 - Libraries

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $45,739 - $48,500

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 11/30/2026

About JMU

At James Madison University (JMU), we're more than just a publicly funded institution - we're a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change - and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information

James Madison University's Libraries is seeking a Senior Assistant to the Dean to provide excellent, proactive support for the Office of the Dean and JMU Libraries administration.

The Libraries welcomes applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to building equitable and welcoming environments. We are committed to encouraging dialogue, cultivating a sense of belonging, and celebrating a broad range of life experiences and perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support the Office of the Dean and JMU Libraries administration, ensuring the smooth operation of Libraries administrative functions. They will manage organizational calendars and events, represent the organization to internal and external constituents, and prepare documents and reports for Libraries administrators. The successful candidate will manage and respond to campus inquiries on behalf of Libraries administration, as well as serve as an initial point of contact for employees and visitors to the Libraries administrative suite. They will work closely with Libraries administration on a wide variety of organizational and planning functions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Evidence of strong interpersonal and customer-oriented communication skills, especially written communication
• Demonstrated commitment to building environments that are accessible and welcoming
• Demonstrated ability to act with a high degree of professionalism, including an ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office products and calendaring.
• Demonstrated ability to track multiple projects with tight deadlines with a high-level of attention to detail and accuracy

Additional Considerations:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and in collaboration with others
• Articulated enthusiasm for working in an active and engaging environment in support of faculty, students, and staff.

Additional Posting Information

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.